What Soccer Does Part 7

Our #SoccerforSuccess After School program would not be what it is today without the incredible work of Bruno Marchesi , our program's director. For part 7 of our "What Soccer Does" series we'd like you to get to know Bruno and see how his work can help ensure that children, regardless of background, have a chance to thrive through the beautiful game!

Q: What is your favorite part about working at the U.S. Soccer Foundation?

A: My favorite part about working at the U.S. Soccer Foundation has to be working with amazing partners and community-based organizations across the country. Our partners are extremely community focused and together we learn from each other and create opportunities for collective impact.?

Q: How does soccer inspire you (either personally or professionally)??

A: Soccer has always been part of my life. Growing up in Perú, South America, soccer has always had a positive impact and shaped the person that I am today. From playing as a little boy and dreaming big to now being able to impact the lives of countless young people and communities across the country, soccer is deeply embedded in how I live, how I work, how I play.??

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Q: As the Director of Soccer for Success After School, what has been the most impactful project you’ve worked on??

A: ?I am proud to have grown the reach and impact of our Soccer for Success?program in the past three years. From managing our grant funded portfolio, to creating new partnerships, to providing programming and opportunities in underserved communities, the impact of the Soccer for Success?After School program will have lasting positive effects in the lives of many young people for years to come.?

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Q: What’s the biggest impact your program has on children in underserved communities??

A: The biggest impact of the Soccer for Success?After School program is providing opportunities for young people to have access to a mentor and safe places to play, with access to sports in their own neighborhoods in a caring environment. My dream for the program is for young people to have a mentor from their own neighborhood that looks like them, speaks their language, and can share experiences together, which creates opportunities for young people to see their own potential so clearly, that they start to believe in themselves.

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Q: What brings you the most joy outside of work??

A: When I am not working, I enjoy mentoring and doing community service. Currently I am doing community service through my passion of photography, and for the past decade I have been mentoring the next generation of leaders in the space of education and sports-based youth development.?

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We hope you enjoyed getting?to know Bruno just a little more. If you'd like to learn more about Soccer for Success?After School, click?here: https://bit.ly/43lI9sC